Could We Build Something Interesting?

In a city like Washington, where policymakers throw billions of dollars into pet projects, you would think we could muster enough interest to build something that puts us on the map architecturally.

Should the District actually ever become a state, I think a fitting motto would be "The land where nothing of architectural significance has been built since those Classical Revival monuments."

Earlier this summer the Corcoran informed the public that their attempt to bring a Frank Gehrey creation to DC had fallen through due to lack of funds (and presumably community interest). Interestingly, it seems that EVERYONE now has one of these twisted coke cans. They have become the architectural equivalent of TGI Fridays, and the fact that Washington can't have what is actually already passe is all the more puzzling.

On the heels of this letdown comes today's news that the planned Kennedy Center project has been shelved. The plan, partially funded with federal money which has now been cut, would have created a sweeping pedestrian plaza that would have covered the roadways that snake around the Center. The result would have been to pull the Kennedy Center closer to the Monumental Core of the city by making it pedestrian-accessible. The Center has decided instead hail the completion of the existing construction which was intended mainly to create more room in the parking garage for the SUV's traveling from Virginia and Maryland.

I believe that, until the residents of the city take interest in their community and offer their vocal support for these projects, the look of Washington will continue to be dictated by the Federal Government and residents of the suburbs. The next big architectural project to languish could well be the new baseball stadium planned for South Capitol Street. It would be no surprise to me if this albatross never gets off the ground. When historians look back 50 years from now, will the most significant piece of architecture to be produced in Washington during this period will be the new Giant in Columbia Heights.